Yuriko Yuco Yoshikawa

Year of birth: 1962.
Where do you live: Japan.
Describe your art in three words: Love, Ripples, Expression.
Instagram

Can you share your journey as an artist? How did your experience in nursing science influence your creative process?

I have been working as a nurse in Japanese hospitals since 1984. In 2000, I graduated from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse Education Program and worked for many years in Japan as a WOC nurse. Later, in 2004, I earned a Master’s degree in Nursing from the Graduate School of Medicine and worked for a year as a lecturer at a university nursing faculty. However, due to illness, I retired and began pursuing art. A year ago, I started posting daily senryu (a form of Japanese poetry) on my blog, and I have also been creating various handmade works such as paintings and sewing projects, sharing my creations on Instagram (@lucalito2022).

Yuriko Yuco Yoshikawa | Smailing | 2024

What inspired you to combine abstract, colorful forms with intricate black-and-white linework?

My long experience working in hospitals and as a visiting nurse made me deeply reflect on life, aging, illness, and death. After falling ill myself, I came to cherish the happiness of living in the present. I began to paint what I feel through my own sensibility and the inspirations that come to me.

How do your emotions or experiences translate into the vivid colors and shapes in your works?

After taking up painting, I discovered printmaking, specifically etching, which allowed me to create monochrome line-based works. However, as I love bright and colorful tones, I began freely adding colors to these works. By placing colors wherever inspiration struck, different shapes emerged. Bright colors have the power to energize people, and I hope that those who see my paintings can draw strength from them.

Yuriko Yuco Yoshikawa | Floating | 2024

Could you describe your creative process? Do you begin with sketches, emotions, or specific ideas?

My creative process involves two approaches: unconsciously moving my hand to construct lines or starting from a title that comes to mind as inspiration and building the imagery around it. Sometimes, I also express my emotions of the moment in my work.

Can you talk about the pieces you created in 2024? What stories or emotions do they convey?

When I became ill, I disposed of nearly all the artworks I had created up until then, leaving nothing behind. In Japan, I believe in Daikokuten, the god of both destruction and creation, who teaches that new creation arises from destruction. Therefore, since 2024, I have been creating new works.

Yuriko Yuco Yoshikawa | Phoenix | 2024

How has your background in science shaped your perspective on art?

I see art as a drop that creates ripples, spreading outward. I would be delighted if my works could evoke feelings or thoughts in those who view them. I want to create pieces that convey a message or even music to the viewer.

What message or impact do you wish to leave through your artistic journey?

By cherishing the happiness of living in the present and feeling gratitude for life, I wish for love and peace for people all over the world.